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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Pinch find in the woods which he intends to claim as his own?

2. What does Mama do with the food when it is dried?

3. Who wears an eccentric, colorful coat?

4. What is Biboon?

5. What is done with the items touched by the man who died from smallpox?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author explore the themes of the relationship between humans and nature and Omakayas' journey of transformation?

2. How does Omakayas justify Andeg's leaving?

3. What happens to the white voyageur who interrupts the community dance?

4. What happens to Omakayas after the smallpox deaths, and who is the one who is able to help her?

5. What is in Nokomis' bundle that she says speaks to her?

6. How does the author explore the relationship between whites and natives in this section?

7. Which two characters die as a result of the smallpox outbreak?

8. How does Ten Snow help Omakayas get started in beadwork and what does Omakayas make?

9. What is the event that saved the family's bodies and the one that saved their souls according to Omakayas?

10. What preparations do Mama and Nokomis make for the family's food to get them through the winter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of pride. Identify at least two instances about pride in the book and then cite examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE is a classic example of historical fiction. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category?

Essay Topic 3

There are several events of foreshadowing in THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE. Define foreshadowing. Cite at least two situations in the story that serve as foreshadowing.

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This section contains 1,185 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample